Cultural
Travel First-Hand Articles
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Do
It Yourself Travel in Costa Rica
by Ted Campbell
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Among
the Blue Men: Travel, Ritual, and
Adventure with a Tuareg Nomadic
Tribe in Mali
by James
Michael Dorsey
A nomadic tribe in Mali graciously invite
an adventurous author into their clan,
where he witnesses their unique rituals
and lives.
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Time
Travel in Northern Cameroon: Living
Among the Dupa
by Lies
Ouwerkerk
A visit to the Dupa tribe in Northern
Cameroon is a magical experience. The
author is invited to participate and observe
colorful and powerful sacred rituals witnessed
by very few from the outside world.
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Going
Local in Porto, Portugal on the river.
by Lies Ouwerkerk
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Embracing
Ancient Greek Traditions in Poros
and the Peloponnese
by
Senior Contributing Editor Lies
Ouwerkerk
A visit to the beautiful island of Poros
and the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece
allows for immersion in ancient Greek
traditions going back thousands of years
to the days of Homer.
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10 Days of Silence at a Buddhist Retreat in Thailand
by Thomas Handy Loon
An inside view of 10 days at a Buddhist meditation retreat in Thailand.
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Kicking
Back in Sri Lanka
Health Treatments in an Ayurvedic Beach Resort
by Senior Contributing Editor Lies Ouwerkerk
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The
Girl Who Went to the Moon
by Brooke Griffin
A Narrative Travel Writing Contest winner about a young woman who experienced a transformative visit with a friendly artist and a charming family in a wonderful small town while on a fellowship in
Japan.
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Exploring
the Remote and Rugged Magdalen Islands
of Canada
By Lies Ouwerkerk
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Seeing
the Real Dominican Republic:
A Stay at Tubagua Eco Lodge
by
Lebawit Lily Girma
An illustrated description of an off-the-beaten
path stay at a magnificent and award-winning
eco lodge in the Dominican Republic, far
from the usual all-inclusive beach resorts.
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The
Irresistible Lure of Zagreb, Croatia
by Lies Ouwerkerk
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Escape
the Prague Tourists to These 7 Top
Czech Destinations
by Tim Leffel
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Top
10 Reasons to Visit Cuenca: "The
Athens of Ecuador" is a Treasure
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
An illustrated visit to beautiful Cuenca,
Ecuador, which offers colonial treasure
and its own unique traditional cultural
experiences, as well as a very warm, interesting,
and colorful local population.
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5
Routes and Regions for an Authentic
Mexican Visit
by Ted
Campbell
A miniguide to the top places to visit
Mexico for an authentic experience.
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Snapshots
from Colombia
by Lies
Ouwerkerk
An illustrated visit to Colombia reveals
the beautiful land and rich culture. The
music, food, countryside, coffee plantations,
and colorful colonial cities are safe
to visit.
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Under
the Spell of Bustling Shanghai,
Hotspot of Modern China
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
Shanghai is perhaps the most bustling
city in modern China, with endless spellbinding
attractions to see and things to do, and
a very eclectic mixture of the old and
the new.
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72
Hours Visa-Free in Guangzhou, China:
A Packed Trip in a Fascinating City
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
While there are better-known cities in
China to those in the West, Guangzhou
is well worth the visit in so many ways,
and you can now do so without a visa!
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Guanajuato,
Mexico: Love at First Sight
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
An illustrated guide — with key background
information in the form of a narrative — to
one of the most beautiful cities in a
country with a complex history, people,
and a rich culture.
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Adventures
to Remember in Costa Rica
Ziplining, hiking, and observing beautiful nature and wildlife.
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
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Five
Unforgettable Adventures in South
Africa
by Ted Campbell
Adventures in South Africa, where the
realities for a traveler far exceed what
can ever be imagined
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8
Fascinating Alternatives Beyond
the Balmy Beaches of Goa
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
Goa is so much more than the beaches,
with many cultural gems and other activities
to explore, as here described and illustrated.
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A
Guide to Summer Pleasures in Vibrant
Montreal
by Lies Ouwerkerk
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Slow
Travel in Bucharest: Soaking up
the Good Vibes
by Lies
Ouwerkerk
An exploration of the capital of Romania,
Bucharest is a city with many faces which
reveal a very rich and complex people,
culture, and history.
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Olive
Picking and Traditional Cooking
in Hidden Andalucía
by
Martin Li
In Southern Spain, the magical region
of Andalucia offers options such as working
on the olive harvest, learning to taste
and distinguish the olive oils, while
enjoying traditional cooking.
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Culinary
Treats in Istanbul: Food by Foot
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
A culinary tour of the many and varied
street foods in Istanbul turns into a
feast without end among very hospitable
locals.
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Hospitable
Tunisia and its Tantalizing Cuisine: "A
Moveable Feast" For the Budget Traveler
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
Tunisia has so much to offer the budget
traveler who loves great food, rich culture,
varied landscapes, sophisticated architecture,
and hospitable people.
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Cruising
Through the Magical Desert of Northern
Sudan
by Lies Ouwerkerk
Travel through Northern Sudan reveals
a wealth of historical and cultural surprises.
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13
Reasons Why Martinique is a Great
Winter Destination
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
A visit to the beautiful island country,
Martinique, is ideal during a wearying
winter. The warm local people, great food,
sandy beaches and the complex culture
are a revelation.
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Jungle
Karma: How a Blind Musician in Cambodia
Taught Me to See
by
James Michael Dorsey
The author visits a jungle in Cambodia
and meets a wise blind musician. The man
plays a unique instrument which he offers
as a gift, which results in seeing life
anew.
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Going
in Circles in Myanmar
by
James Michael Dorsey
Taking the circle train from Yangon, Myanmar
offers an entrancing inside view into
a fascinating country.
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Antigua,
the Soul of Guatemala
by
James Michael Dorsey
Venture into the world of magical Antigua,
Guatemala, where ancient Mayan ritual
and culture remains at the core of the
city.
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Bagan
Rising
by
James Michael Dorsey
Over 1,000 ago Bagan — in what is
now Myanmar — was created as a sacred
city and is now an untouched archeological
site. The author takes you to a spiritual
place of beauty tourists and Buddhists
come to revere.
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Life
on the Mekong River
by
James Michael Dorsey
The Mekong River flows through parts of
six countries, carries much commerce,
and is where people live colorful lives.
James Michael Dorsey paints in words and
images an iconic region.
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Cultural
Travel in Tana Toraja, Sulawesi,
Indonesia
by Lies Ouwerkerk
A richly illustrated voyage to the land,
culture, and people who practice a unique
and very colorful form of animism.
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A
Journey in Otherworldly Ladakh:
Monastic Festivals, Remote Villages, and
Majestic Wilderness
by Lies
Ouwerkerk
A visual journey and first-hand story
about the daily and sacred rituals practiced
by the people of remote Ladakh in the
Himalayas.
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The
Spirit of Genghis Khan: The Stone
Monoliths of Kanas, China
by
James Michael Dorsey
An exploration of the origin and meaning
of sacred stone monoliths in Northwestern
China, from the era of the legendary historical
figure Genghis Khan — shaman and
legendary leader.
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A
Guide to Slow Travel in Playa Samára,
Costa Rica
by Paul
France
How to learn to enjoy slow travel and
living in idyllic Playa Sámara, Costa
Rica
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In
the Footsteps of Field Biologist
Alfred Wallace: Exploring the Islands
of the Indonesian Archipelago
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
An extraordinary and visually compelling
voyage following Darwin's contemporary
and collaborator path through the islands
of Indonesia on a "Pinisi."
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The
Hadzabe of Tanzania: Visiting My
Own Ancestors
by James
Michael Dorsey
How often are
you allowed into a clan who live as did
early humanity, able to observe and even
asked to participate in primordial rituals
that represent the essence of our existence?
The author describes the experience vividly.
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Listening
to the Silence: Climbing Kilimanjaro
and Encounting a Maasai Elder
in Kenya
by James
Michael Dorsey
Narrative Travel Writing Contest winning
entry describing a life-changing adventure
in which the author climbs Kilimanjaro
and later meets a wise Maasai elder
from a tribe in Kenya.
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Walking
with Markus
by James
Michael Dorsey
Markus, a warm and generous host, generously
shares a glimpse into the material and
spiritual lives of a Maasai community
in East Africa.
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The
Accidental Spirit: Experiencing
an Exorcism in Burkina Faso, West
Africa
by James Michael
Dorsey
A very rare first-hand experience by an
westerner who becomes accidentally involved
in an exorcism during a traditional ceremony.
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Journey
Botswana
by Rob Sangster
A safari (Swahili for "journey") experience
in Botswana reveals not only incredible
wildlife but a new emphasis on ecology.
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Cycling
South Africa’s Cape and Winelands
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
A physical and cultural adventure on and
around Cape South Africa combining cycling,
wine tasting, and much more.
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Localized
Accommodation in Italy
by
Amy E. Robertson
Localized accommodation allow visitors
interested in cultural travel to stay
in apartments that offer more privacy
than a B&B and more authenticity than
a hotel. Here are some example experiences
and resources.
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Sage
Tea and Starlight in Wadi, Jordan
by
Amy E. Robertson
Family travel to a desert camp turns into
a genuine physical and cultural adventure,
guided by the Bedouins, and staying in
localized accommodation — in this
case a tent.
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Call
of the Arctic: Voyage by Icebreaker
Ship Along the Edge of the World
by
Lies Ouwerkerk
Traveling on an icebreaker had been on
my wish list for quite a long time. Polar
expeditions do not come cheap, however,
as icebreakers are extremely expensive
to run, due to high fuel costs and crew/staff — passenger
ratio. But when an extra work contract
fell unexpectedly into my lap this year,
I jumped on the sudden opportunity to
make my dream come true.
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Pasta
Making in Northern Italy: A Journey
to Learn a Traditional Culinary
Art
by Jeff Titelius
A journey to Northern Italy is highlighted
by two unique experiences where the author
learns how to make two different types
of pasta by hand, in the traditional manner,
at two different cooking schools.
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How
to Taste Daily Life in Cuba’s Bed
and Breakfasts
by Lies
Ouwerkerk
Wandering through Cuba via its network
of casas particulares, you can
experience the incredible resiliance of
the hospitable Cuban people and the richness
of their culture, despite all that stands
in their way.
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Cultural
Travel in the Dolomites
of Italy
by Lara Giavi
An Italian guide through the small region
in the Italian Dolomites by exploring
its many traditions while traveling slow.
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Top
Mountain Towns to Learn Spanish
in Latin America and Spain
Schools that Combine Language Learning
and Cultural Tours
by Mary
Beth Strawn
Six of the top language schools to learn
Spanish and experience cultural tours
in Latin America and Spain.
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Lost
in Marrakesh, Morocco
by
Kevin Dimetres
A journey into the labyrinth that is Marrakesh,
where ancient doors or all types and shapes,
winding streets, and colorful traditional
crafts suggest mysterious stories.
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The
Haida Monumental Totem Poles
by
James Michael Dorsey
A visit to a remote archipelago on the
Northwest Coast of Canada where the Haida
Nation creates the last of the free-standing
totems.
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Savor
the journey while you enjoy cultural travel.
Jeff Titelius provides a collection of
slow cultural travel vignettes
experienced in Europe, which are more
about the journey than the destination,
and are beautifully photographed.
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Eastern
Europe on the Run
Taylor Chase on why seeing Eastern Europe
on the run is one of the best ways to
immerse yourself in the culture and ambiance
of cities such as Budapest, Prague, and
Krakow.
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Discover
Guatemala's Cultural Richness through its
Rituals
Jim Kane describes the powerful rituals
and the proud people of Antigua, Guatemala
as experience on a visit as a leader of
a responsible travel group.
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Barging
Vacations Offer a Grassroots Taste
of Europe
Senior travel editor Alison Gardner describes
the options for a canal and river barging
vacation which allows time for cultural
exploration at a slow pace.
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Intimate
Glimpses of Canada's Wild West Coast
Alison Gardner on her trip aboard a historic
boat which visits Canadas's west coast
shoreline and culturally rich islands
with Mothership Adventures tours.
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Adventure
Activities in San Carlos de Bariloche,
Argentina
Shanie Matthews describes 10 adventure
activies to be enjoyed in beautiful and
eclectic San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
while providing resources.
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Trekking
in Morocco's Magical Sahara Desert
Friedel Rother provides inside practical
information for those who wish to partake
in a memorable cultural and physical adventure
in the desert.
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Pilgrimage
Travel in the 21st Century
Senior travel editor Alison
Gardner describes the history to date
of spiritual travel, and goes into the
nature of the motives and cultural experience.
Alison describes how spiritual travel
has changed in the 21st century while
providing ample resources.
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Learning
about Burgundy Wines on a Budget:
Combine Cycling Through the Vineyards
and Drinking Fine Wine
Experienced oenophile and tour guide Michael
Kerwin takes you on a trip through Burgundy
and offers tips for drinking great wine
on a budget while cycling to enjoy the
beautiful countryside of this region of
France.
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Cycling
and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
Michael Kerwin takes you on a trip through
Bordeaux and offers tips for drinking
great wine while cycling through the countryside.
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Slow
Travel and Living in Palma de Mallorca
How to practice slow travel and living
in Palma de Mallorca, by Paul Graham France.
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An
Adventure Surfing on the Cheap in
Cornwall, England
Ben Keene on learning to surf at a surfing
school in Penzance, a port in Cornwall,
England.
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4
Ways to Travel the World by Bicycle
Friedel Rother describes the many solo
and group options to bike your way through
countries worldwide while meeting the
locals.
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Cycling
and Learning About Wines in New
Zealand
Michael Kerwin takes you on a trip through
two areas of New Zealand and offers tips
for learning to find great wine while
cycling and enjoying the countryside.
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Exploring
the Diversity of Provence: The Foods,
Wines, Markets and Cultural Life
of Avignon
Beebe Baharmi, Ph.D. explores
the culinary and cultural diversity of
Provence from one of its richest historical
centers in Avignon, France.
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How
to Plan Your Own Tibetan Trekking
Adventure
Andris Bjornson describes options for
trekking adventures in Tibet. He provides
excellent practical survival resources
and travel advice.
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The
Three Best Hot Spring Resorts in
Japan
Stephen Carr describes the top hot spring
resorts in Japan and provides inside tips
on enjoying a unique Japanese cultural
experience.
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Educational
and Cultural Travel in the South
of Spain
Regina Winkle-Bryan describes
some of the many educational travel and
cultural travel options available in the
south of Spain, including dancing schools,
horse-riding schools, and language schools
offering many activities.
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Studying
Flamenco and Spanish in Granada,
Spain: Experience the Rich Culture
with a Short Immersion Program
Mariette Tachdjian decribes her experience
studying flamenco in the rich cultural
city of Granada, which lies at the heart
of the Andalusian region of southern Spain.
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The
Culture of the Markets of Oaxaca
Ron Mader describes the many and varied
markets in Oaxaca, Mexico and provides
tips for shopping responsibly.
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A
Desert Escape in Egypt
Nicole Feliciano found an escape
from the bustling streets of Cairo on
a private desert safari.
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Travel
to Learn in France: Vacation Courses
Offer Opportunities for Cultural Immersion
Anna Gibson describes the many vacation
and cultural travel options in France.
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Hot
Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey
Alison Gardner describes her
exhilarating trip in a hot air balloon
over the volcanic landscapes and stone-house
communities in Cappadocia, Turkey. She
also provides resources for ballooning
in beautiful locations around the world.
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Cultural Travel
in Bhutan: The Land of the Thunder
Dragon
Martin Li on responsible cultural travel
in the still unspoiled and magical Kingdom
of Bhutan.
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Tuscan
Women Cook
Ann Woodyard reports on a rustic
cooking school in Tuscany.
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Love
and Tango Culture in Argentina
Andrea Gourgy provides tips
based upon her experience learning to
dance the Tango in Buenos Aires.
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Spanish
and Whitewater Kayaking in Chile
Ann Beman describes her learning
adventure in Chile, where she participated
in whitewater rafting while improving
her Spanish.
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Rafting
to a Jungle Lodge in Costa Rica:
Indulge in a Responsible Adventure
82-year old Katherine McIntyre describes
an adventure tour on a great rafting river
in Costa Rica where the destination is
a sustainable lodge down the river.
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Camping
in Africa
Janet Williams says that camping
in Africa is the best form of immersion
with the people, the culture, and the
wildlife and provides tips and resources
on how to do so respectfully.
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